Associate Director (Digital)

We are proud to be one of the UK’s biggest and fastest-growing independent communications consultancies. And we have big ambitions – to grow in scale, increase the breadth and depth of our expertise, expand into new geographies, and push the boundaries in delivering industry-defining work.

To support these efforts, we are looking for a new Associate Director to join our growing team, specialising in digital communications. While you’ll report to our head of digital, this role – like every role at Hawthorn – is not siloed. Our 70+ consultants work as one multi-disciplinary team, united behind a single P&L to offer our clients the very best channel-agnostic communications advice. You will collaborate with others to craft strategies that play out across earned, owned and paid media and develop digital tools and assets that help clients realise the benefits of new and emerging technologies.

As a seasoned comms professional, you will ideally have past experience working in a digital role for another communications agency. You will have a strong understanding of the prospective needs of corporate and third sector clients and should be knowledgeable about the wider communications industry and how it is evolving. You will have a proven ability to win the trust and confidence of clients and teams and thrive in an entrepreneurial culture where two days are rarely the same

Your Responsibilities

· Act as a trusted advisor to clients, delivering expert counsel on digital strategies to protect and enhance brand, campaign, or personal reputations.

· Identify and drive new business opportunities through innovative digital products, services, and relationship-building.

· Set and manage KPIs to measure impact, demonstrate ROI, and ensure excellence in delivery.

· Lead, develop, and motivate high-performing client teams, fostering a positive, inclusive, and growth-oriented workplace culture.

· Manage and cultivate relationships with third-party providers to deliver high-quality digital content and services.

· Drive organic growth within existing accounts, contribute to business development efforts, and support client retention.

· Provide crisis and issues management counsel, offering strategic, well-evidenced solutions under pressure.

· Promote continuous professional development through training, mentorship, and knowledge-sharing within the team.

· Contribute to our brand and new business efforts, by representing the organisation at events and encouraging visibility across all levels.

· Champion innovation and efficiency, including the adoption of AI and best practice processes to enhance delivery and manage costs.

For this role, you must have:

· 7+ years of digital comms experience, ideally with past experience advising on corporate issues, crisis management and campaign delivery in an agency environment.

· Strong technical knowledge spanning organic and paid social media, search, website development, digital data analysis for campaign planning and impact measurement.

· Hands-on experience with digital tools and platforms, including Google Analytics, Meta Ads Manager, LinkedIn Campaign Manager and WordPress.

· Exceptional written and verbal communications skills

· Significant experience in using digital and AI tools to shape thinking and improve practices.
About Hawthorn

We are an independent and agile strategic communications consultancy. For over 10 years, we’ve delivered exceptional work for individuals and organisations worldwide, from Forbes, Maybourne Hotels and Kering, to DAZN, Aegon, and News UK.

We’re small enough to give clients our full attention, yet big enough to handle the most complex and high-stakes briefs. Our dynamic, deeply connected team works across corporate communications, crisis management, and public affairs.

Our structure enables us to deliver fully integrated, data and behaviour-driven solutions. We’re ambitious, for ourselves and for our clients, and we’re growing every day.

We believe in empowering our people with autonomy, supporting innovation, and having fun along the way. Diversity of thought and background fuels our creativity and collaboration, and we’re committed to building an inclusive, connected culture where everyone can thrive.

We offer a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your wellbeing, growth, and lifestyle:
• Pension, Salary Exchange, nursery salary sacrifice scheme, medical and life insurance
• Cycle-to-work and tech schemes
• Flexible working options, both location and hours
• Generous leave: 25 days annual leave in your first year, increasing to 26 thereafter, plus parental, sabbatical, and volunteering leave
• Annual charity day to support causes close to your heart
• Continuous learning and development culture
• Wellbeing support including EAP, mental health first aiders, Peppy menopause app, and robust sick leave provision
• Office perks like breakfast, lunch, snacks, and drinks
• A vibrant social calendar, including sports, culture, and charity events, and standout summer and Christmas parties

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